That advertisement, which ran in Saturday's Daily American, gave some insight into what council is seeking.

"Council is looking for someone who has experience in law enforcement as well as supervisory capabilities," said Vinzani.

Somerset Borough has five full-time and 11 part-time officers. Roughly 7,000 people live within its 2.8 mile radius.

Candidates need a degree from a four-year accredited college in police science and administration or criminology. They must also have three years experience in municipal police work including one year in a supervisory role.

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Council is also considering candidates with a minimum of seven years of experience in municipal police work, three of which involved supervisory responsibility.

All candidates must be Pa. Act 120 certified, with a valid drivers license.

The appointee is required to live in Somerset Borough within six-months of accepting the position.

"We're accepting applications from in-house and those who are not currently employed by the department," said Vinzani. "We're hoping to get a lot of interest from qualified individuals."

Somerset Borough Mayor Bill Meyer said there is one more qualification he thinks is important to the job.

"Chemistry. I feel the next thing along the line is chemistry. That he and I are able to blend," he said.

He said he and Cramer had a good relationship to working together. Meyer is involved in the scheduling, budgeting and issues within the department.

"I'd like to keep that going with the next guy," he said.

Meyer said there is interest within the department in the position.

"I personally would like to see one of the guys in the department get it," he said. "[Council] also feels they should advertise outside to see what we draw. We're just interested in a replacement as soon as possible."

And with former chief Brad Cramer's resignation from the title position already official, Vinzani said council in moving along in the process of naming a replacement.

"Council certainly does not want to delay the process," he said. "But it's more important to do the process right."

Cramer is still serving as officer in charge with the department. It is not known how long that arrangement will last.

Cramer's contract called for a 30 days notice before resignation as chief. That was given on Feb. 23.

He chose at that time to remain with the force as a patrolman for an indefinite period of time. He said in an earlier interview he expected to leave the force by early summer at the latest.

"He has not yet given us a date," Vinzani said. "He is however officially gone as chief."

This leaves council with a number of choices as to the future of the department. Among the options are appointing from within, hiring a new chief or naming another officer in charge.

"Once they're all in a decision will be made on how to proceed," said Vinzani. "Obviously these are options that council has at its disposal."

The interview process is expected to begin soon after the April 30 deadline. With hiring to follow as soon as feasible after that.

"The position of chief is a very important one. Council is taking the necessary time to make this decision in the best interest of the borough."